Redesigned inside and out, Toyota promises the new Sienna has beenreinvented with contemporary styling and a fun-to-drive spirit. Aminivan that’s fun to drive, you ask? In an effort to make good on thispromise, Toyota has created a new “sporty” SE model with a unique frontfascia, side skirts, 19-inch wheels, smoked taillights, and a lowered,sport-tuned suspension. It will also feature unique gauges and interiorcolors for those racy moms and dads late for soccer practice.
Butcontemporary isn’t exactly what we’d call the remainder of the range’snew design. Although the styling is a vast improvement over the ripenedprevious generation’s, the overall look is much like that of asquared-off Venza. It’s not that the new shape doesn’t look good, butwe’re not exactly smitten. We do like how the rear-door track has beencleverly hidden under the window.
The 2011 Sienna rides on thesame wheelbase as before but is slightly wider and shorter overall.Powertrain options for the range—which includes base, LE, SE, XLE, andLimited models—will include a 3.5-liter V-6 producing 266 hp or the2.7-liter four-cylinder with 187 hp, both of which are mated to asix-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy ratings for thefour-cylinder are an impressive 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.Steering has now gone full-electric, which Toyota claims will “delivera more solid direct on-road feel.” All-wheel drive will continue to beoffered with the V-6 on LE, XLE, and Limited models.
Luxurious Insides
Seatingconfigurations for either seven or eight passengers will be available.All models are equipped with cruise control, three-zone airconditioning, a power driver’s seat, and remote keyless entry. Theyalso include standard safety gizmos like ABS, stability control, andtraction control. Opting for the V-6–equipped LE model will get youdual power-sliding rear doors, a power hatch, a backup camera, rearsunshades, XM satellite radio, a USB port with iPod connectivity, andBluetooth with music-streaming capability.
The XLE adds leatherseating with heated fronts, a sunroof, and an anti-theft system.Optional equipment on the XLE is a navigation system with a JBL10-speaker sound system and a panorama rear camera, and a rear-seatentertainment system with a 16.4-inch widescreen display that can show two different programs side-by-side.
Thetop-level Limited model will feature luxurious second-row “LoungeSeating,” offering pop-up leg support. Also included are power-foldingthird-row seats, parking sensors, dual sunroofs, HID headlights,rain-sensing wipers, and a pre-collision system with radar cruise.
Whilewe don’t exactly see the new Sienna being the sporty and enthusiasticvehicle that Toyota describes it as, we are looking forward toexperiencing what appears to be a plush new interior. Sales will beginin February of 2010 and pricing has yet to be released, but Toyota saysthe base 2011 Sienna will be cheaper than the current model, whichstarts at $25,340. |
發表於 2009-12-16 11:47 AM
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